From: Kerry kirk
Sent: June 20, 2020
To: Sarah Curry
Subject: Kerry Kirk

Hi Sarah,

I have installed the Hydrovane. It looks good, but is just hitting the solar-arch, when the wind is from the side, we cannot lower the unit anymore any thoughts on how to fix this. Sorry I did not take a photo of this happening. I can take some if that will help.

Our thoughts are to pad out the lower H bracket to bring it out about 100mm from the boat, and extend the tubing on the upper bracket.

If you need more photos to understand what is happening or how the install was done just ask.

Many thanks

Kerry Kirk

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From: Sarah Curry
Sent: June 23, 2020
To: Kerry Kirk
Subject: RE: Kerry Kirk

Hi Kerry,

Thanks for the photos. You’re right, it looks like a nice installation.

If the Vane makes contact with the arch towards the end of its deflection, it won’t affect performance. You should put a piece of neoprene or rubber where it makes contact.

Could you please measure how much it overlaps? Push the Vane over next to the point where it makes contact and measure how much deflection you loose.

If needed, yes, a longer E Stay Tube and H Spacer Pads are the answer.

Cheers,
Sarah

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From: Kerry Kirk
Sent: June 30, 2020
To: Sarah Curry
Subject: RE: Kerry Kirk

Hi Sarah,

I checked the vane and she goes over about 700mm in most angles when it hits the arch it is about 500-600mm but I can change the angle of the vane by tilting it back a bit. When it is vertical it hits almost straight away but tilting the vane back 10mm is enough to miss it. I will keep testing and see how it goes.

My first test sail went very well and I am very pleased with her.

I do have one question though: how do you move the remote course adjuster, this unit is offset at an angle, and I would like to move it towards the center line a bit more so that the line doesn’t chafe on the exit holes.

Thanks

Kerry

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From: Sarah Curry
Sent: July 7, 2020
To: Kerry Kirk
Subject: RE: Kerry Kirk

Hi Kerry,

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner.

Assume no issues on a beam reach or with the wind forward of the beam. But yes, the interference would be when broad reaching on one tack. If you are getting most of the travel before it hits, you should be fine. We recommend to keep sailing with it and see how it goes.

Great to hear you’ve enjoy using the Hydrovane already!

You can rotate the Worm Box Casting:

1. Note the vertical clearance of the casting
2. LOOSEN Worm Box Stud #88
3. ROTATE the casting until the fairleads point in the desired direction.
4. POSITION – Leave half a mm (0.5mm) clearance (use feeler gauge if necessary) between the #16 Heading Collar and the top of the #85 Worm Gear Wheel that extend ups inside the casting. Photo attached.
5. RETIGHTEN Worm Box Stud #88

I hope that helps.

Cheers,
Sarah

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From: Kerry kirk
Sent: August 7, 2020
To: Sarah Curry
Subject: Re: Kerry Kirk

Hi Sarah,,

Thanks for the info on how to adjust the worm box casing. I have done some testing and got out into Cook Strait in 20-25 knts and she just performed fantastic at no stage did I feel the need to take over as she was helming that well in conditions with wind over tide with 1-2 mtr seas. I have attached a  photo as I pass the Brothers Island with Cape Koamaru in the background.

Thank you for all your help and advice. I have decided to leave her where she is as I think it works fine. If you need any photos for your gallery or a testimonial just ask.

Thank you again

Capt Kirk